2024 Mazda3 revealed in Japan. But CX-60 and CX-90 could arrive first in Ph

The current-generation Mazda3 was launched in the Philippines back in August 2019. It has since provided the market with a stylish and elegant alternative to the Honda Civic (Specs | News) and Toyota Corolla Altis. 

While it showcased evocative styling, and refined driving characteristics at the time, it also came with a higher price range that made it a challenge to pick it over similarly priced crossovers with more bells and whistles.

For the 2024 model year in Japan, however, the Mazda3 gets a raft of updates that should make it more appealing and up-top-date versus its peers. And no, the updates don’t have anything to do with its design.

What's new?

New to the Japan Domestic Market 2024 Mazda3 are the following features:

• Ceramic Metallic and Sonic Silver Metallic colors
• 10.25-inch infotainment display
• Deleted CD player
• Illuminated USB-C ports
• Wireless charging pad
• And the removal of the base-model 15S sedan in Japan

The 2024 Mazda3 in Japan also gets an Inattentive Warning function that detects when a driver is distracted and shouts out an alarm and warning message. While i-Activsense also adds obstacle and pedestrian detection.

Another trickle down feature from the Mazda CX-60 (Specs | News) is a remote engine start via the MyMazda app which only works for automatic transmission-equipped models.

Other connected features via the software is driver speed, time and area monitoring.

The 2024 Mazda3 will sell for ¥2,288,000 to ¥3,866,500 in Japan. While in other countries, the Skyactiv-X and manual transmission options have been dropped. 

It remains to be seen how Mazda Philippines will kit out its 2024 model year Mazda3 orders.

Will it arrive here?

We believe the better question would be, “When?” 

In 2022, Mazda dealerships struggled to serve reservations of various models with vehicle deliveries often few and far between. 

With supply issues brought upon by last year’s semi-conductor shortage now on the mend, it may have to service pending reservations of the current-spec Mazda3 first before any plans of the 2024 model year are finalized. 

Currently, the Mazda3 is sold solely with a 2-liter Skyactiv-G gasoline engine under four variants. Other markets already have 2.5-liter naturally aspirated and 2.5-liter turbocharged mills already available. 

Sport versions of the sedan and fastback are priced at ₱1,495,000. While M-Hybrid versions for both body styles are priced at ₱1,695,000.

But before that...

Meanwhile, Mazda Philippines is also gearing up for the launch of the all-new Mazda CX-60 and Mazda CX-90 crossovers.

Mazda dealerships are already accepting reservations for both models with as many as 15 to 20 reservations in total for both models in one prime dealership alone.

According to our sources, the Mazda CX-60 will be slotting in the ₱2.5 to ₱3M price range; while the Mazda CX-90 is being pitched between ₱3.4 to ₱3.6M.

Also Read: Mazda CX-60 coming to the Philippines in early 2023?

Other ASEAN markets are getting their allocation very soon and the Philippines could be up next in the regional roll-out which should happen as early as May 2023.

Also Read: 2024 Mazda CX-90 breaks cover: Is all-new 8-seater flagship Mazda's ticket to luxury?

Should Mazda Philippines bring in the 2024 Mazda3 sooner or are you already set for a crossover purchase?